The night before Nandini’s birthday, the Malhotra family gathered around the dinner table for a meal that was, on the surface, just like any other. The dining room was grand, with a long table set with fine china and crystal glasses, the warm glow of chandeliers above them casting a soft light on their faces
As they were finishing their meal, Neyonika spoke up, her tone casual but with a hint of expectation. “Mukti, Alya, we have a party to attend tomorrow. I hope you two are prepared.”
Mukti raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Alya before turning back to Neyonika. “A party? What’s the occasion?”
Raj, dabbing the corner of his mouth with a napkin, responded, “It’s Mr. Sehgal’s daughter’s birthday. You know, the company we’re collaborating with. It’s a significant event.”
Alya’s face lit up with realization. “Tomorrow’s Nandini’s birthday! We’re going to her celebration. We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Mukti nodded in agreement, a playful smile on her lips. “Yeah, we’ve been looking forward to it. It’s going to be great.”
Neyonika looked mildly surprised, her perfectly arched eyebrows rising. “Isn’t that a coincidence? Mr. Sehgal’s daughter is also named Nandini. It's okay then me, Raj and Manik will be going there.”
There was a brief silence as the connection was made, and then Alya gasped, turning to Manik. “Wait, even will come with us Manik! You’re coming to Nandini’s birthday too, right? We’ll go together!”
Raj, slightly puzzled, leaned back in his chair. “What would he do at your friend’s birthday party?”
Mukti couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. “Dad, you’ve forgotten. We told you about Nandini—Manik’s best friend. It’s her birthday tomorrow.”
Neyonika looked at Manik, her curiosity piqued. “Manik, why did you say yes to the party if you already had other plans? You could have mentioned it.”
Manik, who had been silent throughout the conversation, finally spoke up. His voice was calm, but there was an underlying tension that only those close to him could detect. “There aren’t two Nandinis. It’s the same birthday party we’re talking about. Mr. Sehgal is Navya’s father. So, it’s the same.”
Mukti and Alya exchanged looks of shock and excitement. “Oh my god, really?” Alya exclaimed, her eyes wide.
Raj, still processing the information, asked, “Who is Navya?”
Manik, his voice steady but with a hint of affection, replied, “Navya is Nandini’s best friend. You could say they’re more like sisters. Mr. Sehgal treats them equally. He’s very protective of both.”
Neyonika, still intrigued, asked, “Did you know Mr. Sehgal personally before this?”
Manik shook his head slightly. “I’ve seen his pictures, but I didn’t think it was appropriate to introduce myself as Nandini’s friend the first time we met. It would’ve seemed unprofessional. I kept our personal connection separate.”
Mukti, ever the enthusiast, clapped her hands together, her excitement contagious. “So we’re going to the birthday party! This is going to be so much fun.”
Alya nodded in agreement, already planning out what they could do. “We’ll have a blast. It’s been so long since we’ve all had a good time together.”
Manik managed a small smile, though his thoughts were elsewhere. He couldn’t shake the feeling of anticipation and anxiety about what tomorrow would bring. Everything was in motion now—their plans to reveal their relationship, the intertwining of their personal and professional lives, and the potential fallout.
YOU ARE READING
TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP
General FictionHe is sturborn. She is calm. He is rude and arrogant. She is humble and loving. He can be described in one word as MONSTER. She can be described in one word as ANGEL. Both are poles apart yet together. Secret and long distance relationship. He says...
